Island of Time

No one ever expects a disaster to strike. If you knew it was coming, you’d take precautions and plan ahead. The assumption is that most people who live in California are somewhat inclined to be equipped; perhaps a backup generator in the garage, extra food in the cupboards, or a stash of money hidden away for emergency evacuations. In Serena Guadalupe’s case, she would’ve been better prepared if she’d only been carrying a book of matches or a lighter in her pocket.
When Serena wakes up on a deserted beach, the only thing she’s sure of is that she is no longer home. The sand is pristine. With no empty cans, bottles, or manmade litter of any kind, it looks immaculately clean and unused. There are no boats in the water or planes overhead, no vehicles around at all. With no smog, exhaust, or smoke, the air smells fresh and pure. The entire area lacks any signs of civilization at all.
Serena appears to be completely alone…except for a lifeless black bear, a disemboweled wolf, and two mutilated wolf pups…